benzalkonium chloride

a white or yellowish-white, water-soluble mixture of ammonium chloride derivatives having the structure C8H10NRCl, where R is a mixture of radicals ranging from C8H17- to C18H37-, that occurs as an amorphous powder or in gelatinous lumps: used chiefly as an antiseptic and a disinfectant.

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benzalkonium chloride — A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the alkyls are long chain compounds (C8 to C18); a surface active germicide for many pathogenic nonsporulating bacteria and fungi. Aqueous solutions of this agent have a low surface… … Medical dictionary

benzalkonium chloride — noun A nitrogenous cationic surface acting agent of the quaternary ammonium group, used as a biocide, as a cationic surfactant and as a phase transfer agent in the chemical industry. Syn … Wiktionary

benzalkonium chloride — noun : a white or yellowish white salt obtained as a bitter aromatic powder or gelatinous pieces that is used as an antiseptic and germicide * * * /ben zal koh nee euhm/, Chem. a white or yellowish white, water soluble mixture of ammonium… … Useful english dictionary

benzalkonium chloride — chemical compound used as a disinfectant and antiseptic … English contemporary dictionary